Sea Explorers Malapascua

Sea Explorers has been a fixture of the Philippine diving scene since 1989, operating a network of centres that span the Visayas. While they have a strong presence in Dauin and Sipalay, their Malapascua operation is globally recognised for providing reliable access to one of the ocean's most sought-after pelagics.

Based in the Philippines, the centre offers a structured approach to diving, whether you are looking for a sunrise drift dive to see thresher sharks or a dedicated muck diving expedition. Their multi-centre setup allows for diving safaris that can connect the diverse marine ecosystems of the archipelago.

As a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre (CDC), the team is geared towards both recreational enthusiasts and professionals. They offer a full spectrum of instruction, including the Instructor Development Course (IDC), making it a destination for those looking to advance their careers.

Guiding is kept intimate, with a maximum of four divers per guide, though this can extend to five if you are diving with a Divemaster or Instructor. The staff is multilingual, communicating in English, Tagalog, and Cebuano to ensure clear communication on the boat and during briefings.

Safety and professionalism are central to their 'Dive with a Smile' approach. They manage all the logistics of a professional operation, from managing sanctuary fees to coordinating with various partner resorts across the region.

The training programme is extensive, covering every stage of the PADI progression. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or Bubblemaker for children, progressing through Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses.

For those looking to refine their skills, they offer specialised training such as Peak Performance Buoyancy, Enriched Air (Nitrox), Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and Underwater Navigation. They also cater to technical and niche interests with courses in Sidemount, DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle), and Search & Recovery.

Professional development is a core strength, with pathways leading from Divemaster through to the Instructor Development Course (IDC). They also integrate conservation into their curriculum through PADI AWARE courses, including Coral Reef Conservation and Shark and Ray Conservation.

The centre provides a complete range of rental equipment, catering to all sizes from XXS to XXXL, including full sets for children. For younger divers, 8-litre cylinders are available to ensure a comfortable fit and proper buoyancy control.

For adults, they supply 12-litre aluminium cylinders with both Yoke (INT) and DIN valve options. Nitrox is available for use, with blends up to 32% provided for those looking to extend their bottom times. To support night diving and technical exploration, they also have torches and dive computers available for hire.

The marine life at Malapascua and the surrounding areas is headlined by spectacular pelagics. You can expect to encounter thresher sharks at Monad Shoal, with hammerhead sharks and whitetip reef sharks appearing frequently in the deeper waters.

For those drawn to the smaller details, the black sand slopes and reefs host an incredible array of macro life. You will find frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, seahorses, and various species of octopus, including the blue-ringed octopus.

The reef ecosystems are teeming with vibrant life, from Napoleon wrasse and mantis shrimp to various species of sea turtles and sea snakes. You will also see a diverse range of crustaceans, such as crabs and shrimp, tucked into the coral structures.

The hard and soft coral cover provides a complex habitat for juvenile reef fish, mandarinfish, and various species of anemonefish, creating a high-biodiversity environment across the different dive sites.

Water temperatures typically range between 26°C and 30°C. While specific current conditions vary by site, many of the premier pelagic locations involve drift diving, often during the early morning hours.